Teni Shares Stunning Visuals for Latest Single 'For You' Featuring Davido
Nigerian singer Teni has officially dropped the music video for her latest catchy single 'For You' featuring Davido.
Nigerian singer and songwriter Teni shines in her latest music video "For You" featuring fellow Nigerian star Davido. "For You", which is centred on a prison escape, sees Davido and Teni teaming up for a thrilling visual escapade.
The "For You" music video starts of with Teni behind bars and comically relays the love story that lead to her re-arrest. Davido plays the lover who visits her and breaks her out of jail but the freedom lasts for a short while. Teni's carefree energy and Davido's high spirits carry the humorous story right up until the end. According to The Guardian Nigeria, Teni explained the inspiration behind the song and why she collaborated with Davido saying:
"For You" is a record I made to celebrate the essence of love, sacrifice and the reaffirmation to always be there for that special someone who means the world to you. I always wanted to make a record like this with Davido especially because of my admiration for him as an artist, father and someone with a big heart."
Teni, whose real name is Teniola Apata, has been growing in the music industry for a few years now. Her previous hits include "Askamaya," "Case" and "Uyo Meyo" which have made a mark on the Nigerian music scene. She also contributed her song writing skills to Davido's 2017 track "Like Dat".
"For You" comes ahead of Teni's debut album WONDALAND which will reportedly drop on March 19th. The much-anticipated album has been in production for over two years across three continents and inclusive of major cities such as London, New York, Orlando, Ondo, Lagos and Abuja.
Watch Teni's "For You" music video featuring Davido below.
Nigerian music newcomer Khaid comes through with a new love song.
Khaidshares "Jolie," an Afro-infused love song that marks his first music release for the year. The record is a rhythmic and melodic offering that is complete with an infectious hook and Khaid's captivating vocals. In the song, Khaid describes his admiration for a girl that he is pursuing, but equally expresses the challenge that he is having getting her attention.
At the age of 12, Khaid, who was born and raised in Ojo in Lagos, Nigeria, began to freestyle and shoot videos in the streets of Ojo, which is where he was eventually discovered and signed by Sydney Walker, the owner of Neville Records, and a prominent Nigerian comedian.
At the beginning of 2022, Neville Records announced Khaid as a new signee, and since then, he has continued to make waves in the Nigerian music industry. His debut single "With You," was released only eight days after the announcement, and went on to become a commercial success. The song became one of the country's top hits, which now has over 3.7 million views on YouTube and 5 million Spotify streams.
Khaid went on to a release a 6-track album called Diversity and continues to push the envelope at only 17-years-old. The young talent has an EP on the way in the near future, and was recently featured on Okay Africa's 12 Nigerian Artists To Watch In 2023.
We highlight Nigeria’s best emerging talents set to make their mark this year.
Nigeria is in many ways at the forefront of the global African music movement. The country has given birth to Africa’s biggest stars, and continues to do so year on end. However, this isn’t limited to the globally-known, such as international artists like Burna Boy and Wizkid. Every big artist starts from somewhere, and every established act once had their breakout moment.
Every year Nigeria churns out a handful of potential stars in the early phases of their journey to stardom, who make their mark with singles and projects that establish them as talents to watch. From greenhorns making their official debuts to budding talents attempting to establish their first hit single runs, we’ve highlighted a number of emerging Nigerian acts with amazing potential that wield a solid chance of breaking out this year.
Check out our list of 12 Nigerian artists to watch in 2023 below.
Khaid
Sulaimon Abiola, better known asKhaid made his debut in January 2022 at only 17-years-old. He had a hit straight out of the gate with his debut single “With You.” Khaid was announced as a Neville Records' signing on January 20, 2022. He released “With You” eight days after the announcement, and the song went on to become one of the country's top hits. Currently “With You” has over 3.7 million views on YouTube and 5.6 million streams on Spotify. The afrobeats and afro-fusion act is definitely an artist to watch, and we’re looking forward to more from him in 2023.
Odumodublvck
Odumodublvck is a boisterous Nigerian rapper known for two main things — his audacious, aggressive lyrics and style, and his fusion of afrobeats, grime, and drill. The outcome is his very own personal blend of hip-hop. In 2022 he signed a record deal with NATIVE Records, in partnership with Def Jam Recordings. Odumodu raps mostly in Nigerian Pidgin English, telling stories about his community and everyday experiences in a witty, vivid fashion. His latest release is “Picanto,” a punchline-heavy afro hip-hop cut featuring Zlatan and Ecko Miles.
Bloody Civilian
Bloody Civilian is an Abuja-based producer who just began her journey as a recording artist. She was selected to contribute music production to the soundtrack of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, discovering she would be a key part of Marvel’s latest blockbuster ever before she had released her debut single. She was signed by Def Jam CEO Tunji Balogun, the same name responsible for signing Tems, SZA and Kendrick. She released her debut single “How To Kill A Man” in October 2022, a satirical tutorial to women on how to reclaim their agency, wrapped in an afropop package.
GreatMan Takit
Greatman Takitis a singer, songwriter, and gospel artist from Kwara state, Nigeria and yes, Greatman Takit is actually his real name. He stepped out in earnest in 2020, after breaking out from renowned Nigerian gospel choir The Gratitude to be a solo act. Since then he has established himself as one of the leading faces of Nigeria’s afro-gospel movement. He’s responsible for “Commando,” a colorful and infectious afro-gospel tune made in collaboration with Ko’rale.
Pawzz
Emerging afro-fusion artist David Dekor, better known as Pawzz released his debut EP titled Press Play this month. The 5-track EP is an exuberant display of vocal dexterity, floaty melodies, and positive energy. On “Body Language,” Pawzz expresses desire and longing, issuing a sensuous fusion of afro and R&B, while on “Koma” we see Pawzz live out his afropop star potential with confidence and charisma. Pawzz is a Port Harcourt city native, the same city that birthed Burna Boy and Omah Lay, and if Press Play is anything to go by, we trust that Pawzz is well on the way to matching up to the legacy of his predecessors.
Boy Spyce
Boy Spyce is a singer, songwriter, and performer, and a native of Benin city in Edo state. The 21 year-old signed to Mavin Records in 2022 after having the underground buzzing with a number of freestyle videos. He dropped his self-titled debut EP the same year, a 5-track offering of solo songs by the talented vocalist. “Nobody” is an age-appropriate love song, a midtempo afrobeats cut that sees Spyce candidly express his affections to the apple of his eye.
Somadina
Somadina is a highly-talented vocalist who made her initial debut in 2018 with her singles “IHY” and “Lay Low” and began to build a following, particularly among Nigeria’s alternative music scene. The 22-year old considers herself a genre-fluid artist, with her discography laced with pop, rock, R&B, and alternative sounds. Her latest release is “an EP that feels like an album” titled Heart of The Heavenly Undeniable. The 11-track EP is an alchemy of sounds that features alté scene heavyweights Zamir, The Cavemen, and Odunsi the Engine, and was released under Warner Music Africa.
Berri Tiga
Agada Blessed Obotu, known as Berri-Tiga is an afropop singer and native of Benue State, Nigeria. He made his debut in 2021 with afrobeats number “Fire” before rising to national attention in 2022 as a result of his hit collaboration with Carter Efe “Machala,” an ode to pop superstar Wizkid which topped Apple Music’s Nigeria Top 100 chart shortly after release. His latest release is titled “God”, an upbeat tune that sees Berri sing praises to his Maker for his many victories over a highlife-inspired afropop instrumental.
Kémi Lopez
Kémi Lopez is a Nigerian R&B and soul singer and songwriter from Maiduguri, Nigeria. Kémi's sound embodies a blend of contemporary R&B, alternative R&B, indie soul and afro-soul. Her unique vocal texture and delivery coupled with her ability to fluidly switch between English and Yoruba gives the young singer a distinct edge. Her latest release is titled “Love,” a sultry R&B ballad that narrates the story of a woman thinking out loud about her ideal love over an intimate and emotive R&B soundscape.
Kold AF
Also joining the class of newcomers in Nigeria’s music scene isKold AF, a singer and songwriter who deals in afro-fusion with a distinct style and sound. In December 2022 she dropped a 2-track EP titled Kold SZN, a brief but impressive offering that’s just a taste of what’s to come from the talented vocalist and performer.
L0LA
L0la is a 21-year old Nigerian singer and songwriter, based in London. She’s a bit of a mystery, with limited info about herself available aside her very many Instagram photos, but one thing we do know about her is that she’s well embedded in Nigeria’s alté scene. She’s featured on songs with the likes of Cruel Santino, and on Somadina’s EP along with the likes of Zamir and Odunsi The Engine. L0la has already began to grace live events in the UK and Europe, and she has an EP out, her debut project titled Love, L0la. Her latest release is “Conceited,” an alternative rock fusion that reveals L0la in her element.
Bayanni
Bayanni is a Nigerian singer and songwriter, and a new signing announced by Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records in August 2022. Joining the host of talented young artists on the label such as Johnny Drille, Ladipoe, Rema, Ayra Starr, Magixx and Boy Spyce, he was introduced with the release of his self-titled debut EP Bayanni, featuring four solo singles. One of his standout tunes so far is “Ta Ta Ta,” a vibrant afrobeats single laced with sexual innuendo.
Renowned dancehall artist Popcaan has released his album Great Is He, via OVO Sound, and it features none other than Burna Boy.
Jamaica's Popcaanhas shared his anticipated album Great Is He, and the body of work features Nigerian superstar Burna Boy on the track "Aboboyaa."
The album showcases the Jamaican musical giant's signature dancehall sound, while also exploring the depth of genre's versatility. In addition to featuring Burna Boy, Great Is He includes features from OVO Sound's boss Drake, Jamaica's Chronic Law, and Toni-Ann Singh, among others.
On "Aboboyaa," the two musical powerhouses merge their signature rhythmic melodies and intonations in a way that is both compelling to listen to on the first listen, and in turn inspires a second and third listen.
Ever since he released his debut album in 2014, Popcaan has become an international dancehall sensation, and his repertoire includes a list of impressive features.
His album Forever, which was released in 2018, debuted at number two on Billboard’s Top Reggae Albums. Commercially, Popcaan has made a mark on the music scene too. His last project FIXTAPE — which included “Twist & Turn,” the mesmerizing dancehall hit featuring Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR — has garnered over 191 million streams and continues to receive accolades from outlets like Pitchfork, who described the body of work as “a testament to his place at the forefront of the genre.”
"Aboboyaa" is not Popcaan's first international collaboration. In the past, the Jamaican icon has worked with several international music acts including Davido, Jamie xx, Young Thug, Gorillaz, Kano, Jorja Smith and a host of others. He also founded Jamaica’s annual Unruly Festwhich brings stars across the globe to experience Jamaican culture.
Featuring Popcaan x Burna Boy, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Mr Eazi, Baaba Maal, Pheelz and more.
Every Friday, we highlight the top releases through our best music of the week column, Songs You Need to Hear. Here's our round-up of the best tracks and music videos that came across our desks.
If you like these music lists, you can also check out our Best Songs of the Month columns following Nigerian, Ghanaian, East African and South African music. If you missed them, check out our music lists for the Best of 2022 here.
Popcaan x Burna Boy "Aboboyaa"
Jamaican dancehall superstar Popcaan has released his new album, Great Is He, out now via OVO Sound. It includes past singles like the TRESOR-produced "We Caa Done" featuring Drake and a new collaboration with Nigeria's Burna Boy. "Aboboyaa" sees the two stars connect on an uplifting concoction that has us thinking of warmer days.
Bongeziwe Mabandla "Noba Bangathini"
South Africa's Bongeziwe Mabandla dives into the imperfections of love in the beautiful and dreamy “Noba Bangathini," the first single off Bongeziwe Mabandla’s upcoming album. “For me, this song is about surviving and overcoming situations with someone else,” says Mabandla. “It’s about seeing all the obstacles and heartache that comes with sharing your life with another, but still choosing to do so, in spite of it all.”
Mr Eazi "Werser"
Mr Eazi continues on his amapiano kick with this new dancefloor-ready single "Werser," for which he teamed up again with producer DJ Tarico. The song's refrain is taken from a viral clip by Ghanaian TikToker @maastoneprophetes in which she says "Wow, the pressure is getting worser. The guys are giving up and the ladies are weeping."
Baaba Maal "Agreement"
Legendary Senegalese singer and guitaristBaaba Maalhas shared a new single called "Agreement." The song is the fourth track on his upcoming album Being, which is slated to be released on March 31. "Agreement," a percussion-heavy record produced by Johan Hugo, fuses both ancient and modern rhythms, and continues Baaba Maal's ongoing musical quest to connect the past and the present.
Pheelz "Stand By You"
Pheelz shares the romantic and atmospheric new single “Stand By You," which will feature on the Nigerian hitmaker's upcoming Pheelz Good EP, due February 9. Pheelz is steadily building on the massive success of “Finesse"—one of the Best Nigerian Songs of 2022—and we can't wait to hear the full EP.
Khaid "Jolie"
Rising Nigerian newcomer Khaidshares "Jolie," an Afro-infused love song that marks his first music release for the year. The record is a rhythmic and melodic offering that is complete with an infectious hook and Khaid's captivating vocals. In the song, Khaid describes his admiration for a girl that he is pursuing, but equally expresses the challenge that he is having getting her attention.
Jeriq "My Bro" feat. Phyno
Nigerian rapper Jeriq hasreleased a deluxe version of his debut album Billion Dollar Dream, a record that featured the likes of Flavour, PsychoYP, Kofi Jamar, Alpha P, and Dremo. The deluxe version includes new songs like the hard-hitting and anthemic drill number "My Bro," featuring Phyno. Get into it above.
Phyno & Olamide "Ojemba"
Spekaing of Phyno, him and Olamide have added yet another notable tune to their list of collaborations with "Ojemba," which takes on some highlife influences to deliver a positive outlook song.
L.A.X "Rora"
L.A.X is also taking on the amapiano sound in this new party-starting creation in the shape of "Rora."
The Nigerian American director has long used the tools of his multi-hyphenate trade to expand the ways Africans are seen. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, 'Bravo, Burkina!' gives him a larger canvas on which to paint.
Nigeria's renowned Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, scored a nomination at the 2023 Oscars for co-writing ‘Lift Me Up’, one of the songs on 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.'
